Amanze Chinonye
Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has been taken into custody by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over allegations linked to the failed N11.1 billion Joint Venture Kaduna light rail project, Prime Business Africa reports.
The anti-graft agency confirmed that El-Rufai was taken into custody shortly after his release from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), where he had earlier honoured an invitation over separate allegations concerning his tenure as governor of Kaduna State.
Sources familiar with the matter said his latest detention is connected to an ongoing case before the Federal High Court regarding the controversial light rail project initiated during his administration.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelAccording to court filings and prior statements by the ICPC, the Kaduna State Government approved and paid N11.1 billion between December 2016 and January 2017 to a joint venture partner for the development of a light rail system in the state capital. However, investigations revealed that the entity receiving the funds was not formally incorporated with the Corporate Affairs Commission until May 10, 2017, several months after the payment had been made.
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The commission further alleged that from the N11.1 billion paid into the account of Mrts JV Nigeria domiciled with Sterling Bank, a total of N1,373,180,510.07 was diverted into a private account.
Following an ex parte application by the ICPC last year, the Federal High Court in Kaduna granted an interim forfeiture order on the N1,373,180,510.07 traced to the private account, pending the conclusion of investigations and trial.
El-Rufai’s custody by the ICPC comes amid mounting legal scrutiny. He had earlier been questioned by the EFCC over alleged financial improprieties, and shortly after regaining freedom from EFCC detention, he was reportedly picked up by ICPC operatives.
In a separate matter, the Department of State Services (DSS) had previously filed charges against the former governor in connection with allegations relating to unlawful interception of communications.
Additionally, the Kaduna State House of Assembly had in 2024 recommended investigations into his administration over alleged financial irregularities amounting to hundreds of billions of naira, a claim he has consistently denied.
While the ICPC has maintained that its actions are in line with due process, El-Rufai’s legal representatives have described the successive detentions as politically motivated and a breach of his constitutional rights.
As of press time, the commission had not formally filed fresh charges in relation to the latest custody but indicated that investigations and court proceedings regarding the light rail project are ongoing. The Kaduna light rail project, conceived as a major urban transport intervention, was never executed despite the substantial financial commitment, making it one of the most high-profile infrastructure controversies linked to the former admi nistration.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
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